Air Week: June 5-11, 2017

Little Willie John

The “Juke In The Back” is proud to spotlight one of R&B’s most underrated singers and showmen, Little Willie John. Born in Arkansas, Willie was raised in Detroit and took advantage of its thriving music scene from an early age. By 18, he was recording for the influential King Record Label out of Cincinatti and by 19, he was on top of the R&B charts with “Fever” in the spring of 1956. Enlightening interviews with Otis Williams of the Charms as well as Willie’s older sister, Mable John add depth to Willie’s story. Matt The Cat explores the breadth of Willie’s catalog, from his first hit “All Around The World” in 1955, to his big comeback in 1958 with “Talk To Me, Talk To Me,” to his final recordings, which have only recently been released. The spotlight shines bright on a great big talent, Little Willie John on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”

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